Author: vanessa gonzales

I haven't fully recovered, and yes, it's been almost10 years since my stroke! how time flies. I don't think I would ever get to move my left limbs voluntarily, but what the heck? Life still goes on.
ESL, work from home

Must-Watch English Shows for ESL Learners: Tutor-Approved Picks

Back when I was still learning English, I didn’t have fancy apps or online classes. What I had were my aunt’s Betamax and VHS tapes—movies she brought home from her job in the Middle East. I must’ve watched Mrs. Doubtfire a hundred times. Not because I planned to “study” it, but because it made me laugh. And somewhere between the jokes and the drama, I … Continue reading Must-Watch English Shows for ESL Learners: Tutor-Approved Picks

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avm, recovery

One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke

Some people say life can change in a second. For me, that second came while I was getting ready for work—on a regular Monday morning, October 21, 2013. Just two weeks after my 34th birthday. I’ve actually written a separate blog post that walks through exactly what happened that day, but to sum it up: I had a stroke caused by an AVM. I ended … Continue reading One Day at a Time: How I Reclaimed My Life After a Stroke

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ESL, work from home

When ESL Students Outgrow the Basics: What Great Tutors Do Next

There’s something oddly humbling about having a student correct you—especially when you’ve been teaching English for a while. It happened to me recently during a business lesson with a sharp executive. I meant to say “feedback on performance,” but I casually said “feedback about performance.” He paused, smiled politely, and said, “Wouldn’t it be more natural to say on?” I laughed and agreed—he was right. … Continue reading When ESL Students Outgrow the Basics: What Great Tutors Do Next

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ESSAYS, personal

A Simple Guide To Setting (and Hitting) Personal Goals Mid-Year

If you’re like most people, the fresh-start energy of the New Year has long faded, and now you’re standing in the middle of the calendar wondering, “Am I even on track?” Maybe life got busy. Maybe your plans took a different turn. Or maybe—like me—you’re feeling a little anxious about where things are headed. Career-wise, health-wise… it’s a lot to carry. Truth is, I’ve been … Continue reading A Simple Guide To Setting (and Hitting) Personal Goals Mid-Year

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ESSAYS, inspiration

Halfway There: What the First 6 Months of the Year Taught Me

Time has this funny way of slipping past quietly. One minute it’s New Year’s Eve, the next you’re staring at a calendar that says July. We’re halfway through the year—and if I’m being honest, it doesn’t feel like six months have passed. It feels like maybe… two and a half? But the calendar doesn’t lie. So instead of wondering where the days went, I’m looking … Continue reading Halfway There: What the First 6 Months of the Year Taught Me

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avm, health, inspiration

What Is AVM?

Understanding the Condition That Changed My Life It was just another regular morning. Nothing seemed off—at least, nothing out of the ordinary for someone who had been battling splitting headaches for over a year. I used to joke that Ibuprofen had basically become one of my food groups. Looking back, that wasn’t funny at all. In 2013, everything changed. One moment, I was pushing through … Continue reading What Is AVM?

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ESSAYS, RANDOM THOUGHTS

Maybe It’s an Existential Crisis (Who Knows?)

Sometimes I wonder why I’m still here. Especially in those moments of quiet when everyone else is asleep, or I’m in the middle of writing an email, or doing chores at home, and it hits me: Why did God give me another life? I survived something I wasn’t supposed to. I got another chance. I’m grateful, truly. But there are days when I question it. … Continue reading Maybe It’s an Existential Crisis (Who Knows?)

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motherhood, parenting

What To Do When You Feel Like a ‘Bad’ Parent

Some days, it creeps in quietly—usually right after asking your teen for the third time to take out the trash… and getting a grunt in return. Or maybe it’s seeing them glued to a screen while you’re drowning in dishes, or hearing them talk back with that mix of attitude and indifference that could win awards. You try to stay calm, but the frustration builds. … Continue reading What To Do When You Feel Like a ‘Bad’ Parent

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health, Self care, work from home

Sitting All Day? Here’s How To Stay Healthy Working From Home

Working from home sounds like a dream until your body starts reminding you that you’ve barely moved all day. One minute you’re sipping coffee in your pajamas, and the next thing you know, your back feels like it’s been through a spin cycle, your legs have gone numb and a bit swollen, and you can’t remember the last time you blinked. As a work-from-home mom … Continue reading Sitting All Day? Here’s How To Stay Healthy Working From Home

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ESL, work from home

Teaching Isn’t Always Sunshine: Let’s Talk About Difficult Students

Teaching isn’t always sunshine and smooth conversations. Sometimes, it’s awkward silences, forced smiles, or a student who just… won’t budge. If you’re an ESL tutor like me, especially working from home while juggling family life and another job, you’ve probably had at least one class that made you question your career choices. I’ve been part of Rare Job for over a year now, squeezing in … Continue reading Teaching Isn’t Always Sunshine: Let’s Talk About Difficult Students

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